A lot has changed since my first NFL mock draft before free agency: big trades, surprising signings, and enough rumors to keep the NFL news cycle spinning. Despite all the movement, the top of Round 1 remains intact from my previous rendition. With every team still holding onto its first pick, this draft is unfolding as the NFL’s forefathers intended, with the teams in desperate need of help getting first dibs.
Beyond the top 10, though, things get murky. The talent pool is deep but relatively even, requiring us to split hairs between the prospects outside pick 10 and through the end of Round 1.
So, with fewer hypotheticals than my previous pontificating Mock Draft 1.0, let’s jump into Mock Draft 2.0 and see how things could shake out after the dust from free agency has settled.
Pick 1 - Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Everything the Titans have done this offseason has signaled a desire to select Cam Ward first overall. Of course, there is a lot of smoke and mirrors at this time of year. And Tennessee wouldn’t be doing their due diligence if they weren’t taking calls for the pick. But this is a quarterback-driven league, and Will Levis probably isn’t the answer. Ward had an excellent pro day, and rumors are that the Titans plan to go with him. People are quick to nitpick Ward’s flaws, but for a team like Tennessee desperately searching for a quarterback, taking a chance on Ward is a good decision. He has the physical traits to be among the league’s best, but he will need some developmental patience for the team that drafts him. Brian Callahan came over from Cincinnati, where they successfully built around Joe Burrow, a No. 1 pick. Don’t be shocked to see Tennessee follow that plan. Related: They might even follow the exact blueprint and use their early second-rounder to draft a wide receiver, just like the Bengals did in 2019 with Burrow and Tee Higgins. Either way, the Titans need to rebuild their offense, and that starts with addressing the glaring hole at quarterback.
Pick 2 - Cleveland Browns
Abdul Carter, ED, Penn State
The Browns know the value of a dominant pass rusher as well as anyone. They already made a $160M investment in Myles Garrett this offseason. And Carter playing opposite him should immediately become one of the league’s best pass-rushing duos. Carter would be an easy choice for Cleveland, as many have him ranked as the best player in this class. He’s a prototypical edge rusher who checks every box analytically and on film. The Browns need a quarterback. But with nearly $200M remaining in cap hits on Deshaun Watson’s deal (including void years), they don’t have much flexibility.
Pick 3 - New York Giants
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Travis Hunter to the Giants makes too much sense. The Giants struck gold with their first-round pick last year, Malik Nabers. And because of that, they don’t have a pressing need at wide receiver. But they could use an immediate upgrade over Deonte Banks. They lost their primary corner, Adoree' Jackson, to Philadelphia in free agency. Their cornerback corps needs improvement. And in the event of an injury to Nabers, the Giants would have a fallback WR1. Hunter can also work as a part-time receiver for a team needing a secondary option. The elasticity of Hunters’ usage can help the Giants address two weaknesses. While Hunter's exact deployment is still unknown, the Giants will happily draft this class’s most dynamic athlete if he falls to them at No. 3.
Pick 4 - New England Patriots
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Despite playing on defense throughout his career, Mike Vrabel has displayed a preference for building out his offensive line as a head coach during his tenure in Tennessee. Drake Maye regularly made lemonade out of lemons last year behind a porous offensive line. But if the team is serious about his development, bolstering his protection is a must. Campbell’s arm length has been a big talking point lately. But whether he profiles as a tackle or guard at the next level, he fills an immediate need in the Patriots’ front line. And the Patriots' front office recently came out supporting the notion that Campbell will play left tackle in the NFL. Did they tip their hand, or is this just another smoke screen?
Pick 5 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Mason Graham, DI, Michigan
The Jaguars are quickly approaching teardown territory after pushing all of their chips in a couple of offseasons ago. During the fallout, they have a litany of positional needs to address. They are in best-player-available mode. The Jaguars’ strength is already in their defensive line. However, Graham's pressure up the middle as Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker squeeze the pocket could be a nightmare for offensive coordinators to deal with. While not the most pressing need, it’ll be hard to imagine Jacksonville passing on Graham if he’s still there at No. 5.
Pick 6 - Las Vegas Raiders
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
After the trade for Geno Smith, the Raiders quickly claimed he was someone they wanted to build around long-term. But despite the trade happening nearly a month ago, Smith and the Raiders still haven’t agreed on an extension. Remember last year when the Falcons gave Kirk Cousins a colossal contract just before selecting Michael Penix Jr.? The reality is that Smith is about to turn 35 years old and is coming off a down season. And while he might be serviceable in the short term, Smith isn’t the quarterback of their future. Deion Sanders has already expressed interest in his son, Shedeur, playing for Las Vegas. With very similar playstyles, Geno Smith could work as an excellent bridge to prep Sanders to take over. Given Smith’s age and current contract situation, the path to Sanders starting in Las Vegas could be shorter than most people realize.
Pick 7 - New York Jets
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
When trying to find flaws in Tyler Warren’s game, you’ll be left searching. He’s a dominant and physical athlete with the versatility expected from tight ends at the NFL level. He can get dirty in the run game, tear up the seam from an inline position, or run creative routes out of the slot. He’s excellent with the ball in his hands, moving like a freight train after the catch. The Jets also have other premium positions to draft, but Warren has a chance to be an immediate offensive difference-maker with the young corps of Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. His contributions as a blocker could help bolster what’s expected to be a run-heavy offense with Justin Fields. Jeremy Ruckert is a promising and young tight end on the roster, but Warren is a pro-ready weapon who can immediately provide Aaron Glenn with more flexible personnel groupings.
Pick 8 - Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Panthers have gone to the wide receiver well early and often in recent years with very little success. They did a good job building out their offensive line in free agency last year, and Bryce Young looked comfortable in the offense once it settled. But there’s still a glaring need at wide receiver. Dave Canales’ offenses have focused on big-bodied receivers who can stretch the field vertically, most notably DK Metcalf and Mike Evans. They tried with Jonathan Mingo. They hoped Xavier Legette could be that guy, but inconsistent play and poor hands made for a frustrating rookie campaign. Tetairoa McMillan can be a dominant and versatile X-receiver that this offense needs. Legette can move to the slot, a role where he can rely on his elite physicality. Jalen Coker can move to his natural position as a Y. It fixes the need at WR1 and puts Legette and Coker in better long-term roles as they prepare their roster to be without Adam Thielen. Young has looked good in the most recent football we’ve seen from him. The offensive line and the run game are strong. McMillan could be the missing piece to get the Panthers to consistently play at a high level.
Pick 9 - New Orleans Saints
Ashton Jeanty, HB, Boise State
As Alvin Kamara enters his age-30 season, the Saints might look for the running back of their future. Kamara’s efficiency hasn’t dwindled yet, setting them up for an explosive short-term backfield under new head coach Kellen Moore. While this might look like a luxury pick, it’s hard to imagine a player of Jeanty’s caliber falling much further than No. 9. Last year, Jeanty had the second-most single-season rushing yards in NCAA history behind only Barry Sanders. He’s a blend of elite power, speed, and contact balance. The Saints already have some explosive pieces and have preferred to build out the offense with pricey weapons through the Draft under Mickey Loomis. The Saints have gone all-in surrounding Derek Carr with talent, and could continue that trend with Jeanty. While it might not be the best immediate landing spot for Jeanty, he could be the heir apparent as Alvin Kamara approaches the twilight of his career.
Pick 10 - Chicago Bears
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
After adding Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney via trades before free agency and Drew Dallman on Day 1, the Bears have made their plan very clear: provide Caleb Williams with the protection he needs to develop. After the promise they’ve seen from Darnell Wright, Armand Membou would be the finishing piece for a completely new-look offensive line handpicked by Ben Johnson. Braxton Jones has provided decent tackle play, especially considering his fifth-round price tag. Whether Membou wins a spot in camp or waits his turn, his athleticism as a developmental lineman is very enticing. At 6-4 and 332 pounds, Membou logged an eye-popping 9.89 Relative Athletic Score. The Bears are sound elsewhere on offense, and this would be the first time in recent history they’ve heavily invested in protection for a young quarterback. While they also have some defensive needs, Membou could set them up for a dominant offensive line for years to come.
Pick 11 - San Francisco 49ers
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
After the Colts gave Charvarius Ward a $54M contract in free agency, cornerback suddenly became a need for the 49ers. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green make up one of the league’s most promising cornerback duos. But Campbell is a blue-chip prospect who can allow them to play out of a base nickel package. Without any dire needs, the 49ers are in a unique position where they can draft anyone they like. And if Johnson is there at No. 11, it’ll be difficult for the 49ers to pass on a player of his caliber.
Pick 12 - Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
He was raised in Houston, played college in Austin, and could start his NFL career in Dallas. Matthew Golden has been a quick riser since his 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Despite his short stature, he was a weapon all over the field at Texas. The player comp in our rookie guide is Brandin Cooks (Download the guide here. It's free!), so he’d fit an immediate need for the Cowboys, who just lost Cooks in free agency. His field-stretching abilities would be perfect for a passing game that focuses on CeeDee Lamb. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants to install a run-heavy offense that pulls defenses in to allow for deep shots on play action. Golden’s speed is essential to unlocking that offense. In addition to the ideal schematic fit, Dak Prescott desperately needs another playmaker. The Texas-raised Golden makes a lot of sense for the Cowboys.
Pick 13 - Miami Dolphins
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
With Terron Armstead mulling retirement, the Dolphins should hope Kelvin Banks Jr. falls to them in the Draft. Over the last few seasons, he has paved the way for Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, Jonathon Brooks, Jaydon Blue, and Quintrevion Wisner at Texas. Banks is a tractor in the run game with the elasticity to play guard or tackle. The Dolphins lost some important linemen going into 2024, and it showed. Tua Tagovailoa’s sack rate, while not egregiously different from other seasons, was the highest of his career. And the run game didn’t have the same spark we’ve seen in previous years. For Mike McDaniel’s wide-zone blocking scheme to work, he needs athletic linemen who can get horizontal quickly. Banks’ ability to play different spots on the line works well for a team with multiple question marks across theirs.
Pick 14 - Indianapolis Colts
Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
Jalon Walker’s versatility in playing inside linebacker or edge can be serviceable for Indianapolis. Lou Anarumo joined the staff this year from Cincinnati, and his defense was anchored by elite play from Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. Walker is cut from a similar cloth. He could work as the primary edge rusher or drop back into coverage, keeping offenses guessing about coverage. The Colts defense has no shortage of flexible players, and Walker would add to that fun list of weapons.
Pick 15 - Atlanta Falcons
Shemar Stewart, ED, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart has been flying up draft boards since he lit up the NFL Combine with a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, the third-highest among all defensive ends since 1987. Stewart’s intensity and effort can vary, but he’s a game-wrecker when he locks in. He possesses the physical traits that teams will drool over as a developmental pass-rusher. Atlanta’s pass rush was a weakness last year, and Stewart could be the piece they build around in the future.
Pick 16 - Arizona Cardinals
Mykel Williams, ED, Georgia
By selecting Mykel Williams, the Cardinals get the best player available, a premium position, and a need. They already locked up Josh Sweat on a 4-year/$76.4M contract in free agency. And while they still have glue-guy Justin Jones on the defensive line, he’s got the flexibility to move inside. With Williams and Sweat on the edges, they’ll quickly address one of last year’s most significant weaknesses: pass rush. Adding Williams can turn this defensive line into one of the league’s more promising corps. Jonathan Gannon knows the importance of a strong defensive line from his time as Philadelphia’s defense coordinator, and this would allow him to build out similar defensive game plans starting in the trenches.
Pick 17 - Cincinnati Bengals
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
After the offseason investments made on offense, the Bengals almost have no choice but to draft a defensive player in Round 1 this year. And to rebuild the defense after the departure of Lou Anarumo, taking the best available defensive player makes sense. Jahdae Barron, the top-ranked cornerback to test at the NFL Combine, logged a solid 8.99 Relative Athletic Score, largely due to a sub-4.40 40-yard dash. The Bengals hoped moving Dax Hill from safety to cornerback would revive his career, but they need an improvement across from Cam Taylor-Britt. Barron would likely be an immediate starter on a defense fraught with needs.
Pick 18 - Seattle Seahawks
Mike Green, ED, Marshall
Mike Green has cooled off a bit after NFL Combine measurements validated some concerns about his size. Still, he has a violent play style and high motor that NFL teams will love. After stripping down their roster this offseason, the Seahawks have quite a few needs. But with a plethora of Day 2 picks, expect them to use their lone first-rounder on a premium position.
Pick 19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
For several years, Lavonte David and Devin White made up the league’s most imposing linebacker duo. But David is 35 years old, and White is a Raider. In the blink of an eye, the linebacking corps went from the Buccaneers’ biggest strength to their most glaring weakness. Jihaad Campbell can immediately play alongside David in a base 3-4 package. Campbell has familiarity with that defense while also learning new skills in Kane Wommack’s 4-2-5 swarm scheme last season. Campbell will likely be relegated to playing off-ball linebacker in the pros. But he could take the torch for a team that has anchored its defense around the position in recent years.
Pick 20 - Denver Broncos
Omarion Hampton, HB, North Carolina
The starting running back in Denver has been a nonstop carousel since Sean Payton showed up in 2023. While known for tailoring his offenses to the playmakers available, a workhorse running back has been a stalwart in most of Payton’s teams. Jeanty is the consensus RB1 of this class, but it’s not crazy to think some teams may prefer Hampton’s size. He’s a big and punishing back who also showed abilities as a check-down option at North Carolina. While the depth of this running back class has been discussed ad nauseam, the talent at the top is equally impressive. Hampton is a pre-ready running back with the tools to emerge as the best from this year’s Draft. With the threat of Bo Nix as a rusher, Hampton can flourish immediately in this offense. There are some other needs for the Broncos, but the biggest on offense is running back.
Pick 21 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
As we await Aaron Rodgers to come home with an announcement from his beach vacation, it’s fun to daydream about the Steelers’ quarterback plans. As it stands, Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson are set to duke it out in a camp pillow fight. Why not throw a third fighter into the ring? Years ago, Milroe’s skill set would have been alluring enough to garner top-ten consideration. But after disappointing starts for Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Anthony Richardson, a toolsy quarterback like Milroe will probably be less appealing to quarterback-needy teams. But we’ve seen Arthur Smith’s offenses at their best with a mobile quarterback. The Steelers tried last year with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Milroe has Fields’ speed with Wilson’s big arm. He’s far from a sure thing and might benefit from a red-shirt rookie season. But for a team desperate for a quarterback to go along with their newly acquired receiver duo, the Steelers could be allured by Milroe’s schematic fit and potential upside.
Pick 22 - Los Angeles Chargers
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
If Colston Loveland is available at No. 22, Jim Harbaugh won’t be able to turn in a card with his name on it quickly enough. Loveland was the do-it-all weapon for Harbaugh’s championship-winning Michigan team in 2023. He saw a dip in production without Harbaugh and J.J. McCarthy in 2024 but still displayed the traits that should make him a first-round pick in this Draft. Despite being 6-6, Loveland is a natural route runner with hands like a wide receiver. He has the bend to line up wide, the strength to play with his hand in the dirt, and the creativity to beat nickel corners from the slot. The Chargers struck gold with Ladd McConkey last year. And Quentin Johnston and Mike Williams will both be serviceable field stretchers. But Loveland has the upside of being another lethal weapon alongside McConkey, hopefully unlocking Justin Herbert and this Chargers’ offense. Another team may select Loveland earlier, but it’s hard to imagine him making it past the Chargers.
Pick 23 - Green Bay Packers
James Pearce Jr., ED, Tennessee
The Packers’ strength is in their defense, and James Pearce Jr. would immediately be able to address one of their few weaknesses. Rashan Gary has left his 2022 injury behind him and has developed into one of the league’s best edges. But Lukas Van Ness has not taken the steps the Packers’ fans hoped for. Pearce would hopefully line up across Gary, allowing Van Ness to come in situationally. The Packers have a savvy front office and don’t typically reach for positional needs, but they won’t pass on a need when it falls into their lap, either.
Pick 24 - Minnesota Vikings
Kenneth Grant, DI, Michigan
Kenneth Grant is a huge guy who can plug up the interior while also flashing enough burst to contribute to the pass rush. Like a lot of defensive linemen, he needs a bit of refinement in his technique. But he’s got the size and motor that make him a desirable target for a team that wants to improve their defensive line. The Vikings already invested heavily in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave this offseason. Grant would be the cherry on top to wreck game plans in a quarterback-driven NFC North.
Pick 25 - Houston Texans
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
After shipping off Laremy Tunsil to Washington, the Texans signaled that they wanted to make big changes to their offensive line. C.J. Stroud’s regression in 2024 was concerning, and better protection should help him rebound. Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury, impacting his draft stock. But if he returns to his pre-injury self, the Texans could land a blue-chip offensive tackle late in Round 1. Even if Simmons is off the board here, the Texans might reach for another offensive lineman. It’s a massive need for them.
Pick 26 - Los Angeles Rams
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
The Rams struck gold by catching a sliding Jared Verse last year and could likely do the same if Malaki Starks falls to them in this year’s Draft. Starks deserves to be higher than pick 26 in a flat list of prospect rankings. But the teams ahead of the Rams all have pressing needs, none of which are safety. Starks could fall into their lap. After a disastrous Combine week, don’t be surprised to see the Georgia standout fall to one of the later picks in Round 1.
Pick 27 - Baltimore Ravens
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
This one might raise some eyebrows. But the Ravens haven’t shied away from first-round receivers in the Lamar Jackson era. Marquise Brown, Rashod Bateman, and Zay Flowers have all been drafted by Baltimore since 2019. Flowers has been the best of the bunch. And Bateman finally started to put it together last year. But adding a pure slot receiver in Egbuka can allow the other receivers to play where they’re best, out wide. Flowers has been forced into slot usage with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, but his best play in college came while lining up out wide. Bateman can play his natural role as a flanker. This would likely push the Ravens away from their base 12-personnel we saw last year, but Egbuka’s abilities as a blocker should still benefit the already dominant run game. We’ve recently heard rumors about an Andrews trade as the Ravens seek cap relief. Drafting Egbuka could allow them to move Andrews and switch comfortably to a base 11 personnel.
Pick 28 - Detroit Lions
Donovan Ezeiruaku, ED, Boston College
The Lions are in a unique spot where they don’t really have any pressing needs. And when teams can afford that, they’ll look to the best player available and premium positions. Donovan Ezeiruaku is both. Ezeiruaku is listed as an edge, but he’s a bit undersized and often drops back as a linebacker. But he’s got the speed to get involved in the pass rush, the fluidity to cover, and the tenacity to fill gaps in the run game. With a dominant pass rush bolstered by Aidan Hutchison and a deep linebacking group, Ezeiruaku’s versatility makes Detroit a perfect landing spot where Dan Campbell can get him reps from multiple alignments.
Pick 29 - Washington Commanders
Tre Harris, WR, Mississippi
Terry McLaurin is set to turn 30 this year. Zach Ertz is about to be 35. Deebo Samuel Sr., still 29 years old, is already starting to show severe signs of decline. What we saw from Jayden Daniels in his rookie season was electric. But frankly, he needs a better supporting cast of offensive weapons if he wants to continue on an upward trajectory. Tre Harris is a well-rounded and savvy wide receiver. He checked the marks for athleticism at the NFL Combine and is starting to creep up draft boards. On a per-route-run basis last year, no receiver in college football was more effective than Harris. He’s a developmental receiver who will need to expand his route tree in the NFL to reach his full potential. Ole Miss didn’t ask much of him besides slants and vertical balls. But with no dearth of capable veterans in Washington, Harris wouldn’t be expected to contribute immediately. Harris has the skill set to be Daniels’ long-term primary option with some development, and the Commanders can afford to take the time he may require.
Pick 30 - Buffalo Bills
Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
The Bills would be lucky if Nick Emmanwori falls to them at pick 30. Emmanwori had one of the best NFL Combine performances we’ve ever seen. He checked in with impressive size and then clocked elite marks in every drill. Although billed as a strong safety, Emmanwori also has the speed and awareness to play free safety. The Bills could also entertain moving Taylor Rapp to free safety, a position he has some familiarity with from his time with the Rams. Damar Hamlin, brought back on a cheap one-year deal, could rotate in. The safety deployment might not be transparent now. Either way, Emmanwori’s combine performance alone is worth a first-round price tag. The Bills can draft him here and figure out the depth chart in the summer.
Pick 31 - Kansas City Chiefs
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
As we all know, Travis Kelce isn’t getting any younger. Mason Taylor, the 20-year-old son of Jason Taylor II, has been shooting up draft boards. He opted out of measurable drills at the Combine, but his performances in the on-field drills were impossible to ignore. He’s already a menacing 6’5” and 251, still with room to grow. And he clocked an impressive 4.65 40-yard dash and 28 bench press reps at his pro day. He moves with the fluidity of an undersized receiver, displaying polished athleticism in every movement. It’s easy to watch Taylor’s film from LSU and immediately see how it will translate to the NFL. Noah Gray has been serviceable when called upon, but Taylor is one of the few young tight ends who possesses the upside to fill the shoes that will be left by Kelce.
Pick 32 - Philadelphia Eagles
Walter Nolen, DI, Mississippi
Howie Roseman did it again! It seems like a dominant defensive lineman slides in the draft every year, and the Eagles happily select them. Walter Nolen doesn't have the frame of most interior defenders, but he makes up for it with refined handwork and great instincts. And playing alongside Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis in 3-4 sets will only make his job more manageable. Nolen doesn’t have a ton of familiarity with these packages, but his speed and strength should translate to most schemes.
